Blood Pressure

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure refers to systemic arterial blood pressure, which is the pressure in the large arteries delivering blood to body parts other than the lungs, such as the brachial artery (in the arm). The pressure of the blood in other vessels is lower than the arterial pressure. Blood pressure values are universally stated in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg),

Normal ranges for blood pressure:
Systolic between 90 and 140 mm Hg
Diastolic between 50 and 90 mm Hg
Antihypertensive medication might be withheld when the blood pressure is less than 150-160 over 100-110, while the patient is off medications and when there is no organ (like kidney) damage.

What is High Blood Pressure?
A person's blood pressure is considered high when the readings are
greater than 140 mm Hg systolic (the top number in the reading) or
greater than 90 mm Hg diastolic (the bottom number).

High blood pressure, or hypertension, contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

What Are the Effects of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
Although many pregnant women with high blood pressure have healthy babies without serious problems, high blood pressure can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. Women with high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. However, some women develop high blood pressure while they are pregnant (often called gestational hypertension).

The effects of high blood pressure range from mild to severe. High blood pressure can harm the mother's kidneys and other organs. It can cause low birth weight and early delivery if not treated properly. In the most serious cases, the mother develops preeclampsia, or 'toxemia of pregnancy', which can threaten the lives of both the mother and the fetus.

How Can Women with High Blood Pressure Prevent Problems During Pregnancy?
If you are thinking about having a baby and you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor or nurse first. Taking steps to control your blood pressure before and during pregnancy (and getting regular prenatal care) go a long way toward ensuring your well-being and your baby's health.

Before becoming pregnant:

Be sure your blood pressure is under control. Lifestyle changes such as limiting your salt intake, participating in regular physical activity and losing weight if you are overweight can be helpful.
Discuss with your doctor how hypertension might affect you and your baby during pregnancy. Find out what you can do to prevent or lessen possible problems.
If you take medicine for your blood pressure, ask your doctor whether you should change the amount you take or stop taking them during pregnancy. Experts currently recommend avoiding angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists during pregnancy; other blood pressure medications may be OK for you to use. Do not, however, stop or change your medicines unless your doctor tells you to do so.

While you are pregnant:

Obtain regular prenatal medical care.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter medications you are taking or are thinking about taking.

Comments: Blood Pressure

Comments 1 to 3 of about 3.

NonhlanhlaM - 40 days ago.
Girls is headach one of the symptoms of HBP?

shellshocked - 307 days ago.
Protein in your urine, and swelling of the hands and face along with high blood pressure are the three signs of pre-eclampsia. I have been getting some high blood pressure readings, but my caregiver isn't too concerned since I don't have protein in my urine or the swelling. This stress test seems unnecessary to me.

McGill31 - 316 days ago.
I found out on Jan 7, 2009 when I went for my check up that starting this monday and thursday I will have to have a Fetal Non-Stress Test (NST) twice a week for a while. The reason the doctor said is becaue of my high blood pressure. She said its nothing to it, but I am still a little worried about it. This is my first baby and I want him to be fine. She said it will keep track with his heart rate and movements and all I have to do is wear some kind of belt for an hour that records everything. She also told me my blood count is a little low as well. I wish all of you well.